participatory sound mapping

Participatory sound mapping is a community-driven process where residents contribute their personal experiences of sounds in their environment. Participants identify and record sounds they find significant—like natural noises, traffic, or community activities—often using maps or audio recordings. This approach helps to visualize the acoustic landscape of a neighborhood, highlighting areas of noise pollution or tranquility. It fosters local engagement and awareness, enabling communities and planners to better understand how sound impacts daily life and to make more informed decisions for urban development or environmental management.